REI to close only Portland store, citing break-ins, theft – oregonlive.com:
The outdoor retail giant REI Co-op announced Monday that it plans to close its store in Portland’s Pearl District early next year, citing an increase in crime and theft.
In in email to its members Monday, REI said its store in Portland “had its highest number of break-ins and thefts in two decades, despite actions to provide extra security.”
The company added that it has “outgrown” the Pearl District store. A spokesperson added that the building needed “significant investment” to address unspecified “issues.”
The outdoor and recreation retail giant opened its Pearl District store nearly 20 years ago. REI’s first Oregon store opened in Jantzen Beach in 1976 and moved the store to the Pearl District in 2004.
I have no idea how any downtown Portland business makes a go of it given the crime and vandalism. I used to live in downtown Portland; I don’t even want to visit now.